Tony Pulis is on a collision course with Michael Owen after telling him he must wait until after Christmas before getting a game.

Owen insisted earlier this week he was ready to make his first start for the club having overcome his hamstring injuries.

But Pulis is fed up of counting on using the striker in his line-up only to find Owen has endured another set-back in his battle to end his injury woes.

The frontman has only played 53 minutes since signing for the Potters in September and is yet to start.

And has not stepped foot on the pitch since October 27, when Stoke drew 0-0 with Sunderland.

But despite Owen getting through the majority of a reserve game this week, Pulis has told him he will not be in the squad for Saturday’s game against Everton because he needs to strengthen his legs before being considered ready for action.

He said: “Michael played for 70 minutes in a reserve game on Tuesday but he needs more work.

“He did smashingly well but needs a couple of weeks' full training and then a full game or two.

Rare sighting: Owen has barely played since moving to the Britannia (Photo: Laurence Griffiths)

“Every time we get him there, he breaks down so maybe we have brought him back too soon in the past.

“We will give him some time before we chuck him in. Hopefully, he will get a little bit more strengthening work done as well. But we will do what is right for the club and the team.”

Following his 70 minutes of action in the reserves, Owen said: “I’ve had muscular problems which have probably come from not having a solid pre-season.

“But that’s gone. I want to look forward and hopefully iron out the niggles and get on with playing some games.

“It’s a key period because the games are coming thick and fast and there are a lot of points to be had around Christmas.

“I just want to get going because it has been a stuttering start so far for me. I just want to be fit for a period of time and show the fans what I came here to do.”